By Uche Amunike
The Akwa Ibom State Government and residents of the state are agog, as the Federal Government designated the airport in Uyo, known as Victor Attah Airport to international standards, now known as Victor Attah International Airport, which will henceforth receive and process international passengers.
The airport, which before this upgrade, was local, is now approved to fully convert to full international operations.
Speaking, while making this announcement in Abuja, where he hosted the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno ,the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that the Victor Attah International Airport is equipped with all the standard facilities that would make it compete with other international airports on a global scale.
He further stated that the airport has all the modern facilities with a standard MRO and runway of over 3 kilometers which can accommodate bigger aircrafts.
His words: ‘With the facilities available at the airport, there is no reason why Uyo airport should not be designated as international airport to process international passengers.’
‘That is why we are here today with all relevant government agencies including the customs, NiMet, FAAN, NCAA and others to set up a joint team that would commence the process of transmitting from local operations to international operations.’
He continued: ‘What we want to tell you today is that we are designating Uyo airport as an international airport. What is left is to tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin.’
‘We will come to Uyo with the team and representatives of all relevant agencies that work at the airport to access the facilities and tick the boxes for what is available and what would be needed for the airport to fully become an international airport.’
In his response, Governor Eno Umo expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government and the minister for the approval, confirming that the airport is well equipped for the international operations.
He also averred that the Akwa Ibom State Government will construct a cargo terminal, as well as residential buildings for the staff of the airport.
His words: ‘What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment. We will build a cargo terminal, which is already captured in the 2026 budget.’
‘We will also ensure the 100 units of houses under construction be used to ensure the proper settling down of workers at the airport. My target is by end of first quarter of 2026, let the first international plane take off from Uyo.
The designation of the Victor Attah International Airport, strengthens the rising profile of the state as a regional aviation hub, while underscoring Umo Eno’s administration as one committed to opening new doors of opportunity for citizens, investors, as well as visitors.
The Victor Attah International Airport is located near Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State and was renamed in 2018 to honor former governor, Obong Victor Attah.
